Soil labs by state
California
California’s official Extension system is UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE), with offices serving all 58 counties. Current UC pages indicate UC generally does not provide routine public soil testing for growers/home gardeners, so residents are typically directed to UCCE-maintained lists of commercial soil labs and their local county office for guidance.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State soil lab
- UC Davis Analytical Laboratory
- Lab website
- Official page →
- Find your county Extension office
- Official page →
Official resources in California
Interactive official map to find your county’s UC Cooperative Extension office and local programs.
Official UC page stating UC does not provide soil or plant tissue testing for growers and linking to lab lists.
Current UC list of commercial California soil and plant testing laboratories.
California Department of Food and Agriculture page linking to UC Cooperative Extension lab lists by region.
Official UC Davis page describing who the lab serves and how samples may be submitted when accepted.
Key facts for California
- UCCE says it serves all 58 California counties.
- UCCE’s county-office finder uses an interactive map; click a county to reach its office site.
- UCCE Central Sierra says, “The University of California does not provide soil or plant tissue testing services for growers.”
- UC Davis Analytical Laboratory says it “typically does not provide non-research related testing” and is “not set up to help the General Public.”
- If UC Davis Analytical Lab accepts a sample, its page says samples can be hand-delivered or sent by UPS, FedEx, or USPS.
- UC Davis Analytical Lab homepage says many tests currently have about a 4–6 week turnaround.
What to do next
- Start at the UCCE county-office map, open your county site, and look for local soil-testing or Master Gardener guidance.
- Use the Ventura County 2026 UC list or CDFA regional links to choose a commercial lab that serves the public.
- Do not assume a county Extension office accepts sample drop-off; confirm on your county UCCE site or office page first.
Helpful guides
- How to take a soil sample for a lab test
- University soil labs vs. private labs vs. home kits
- How to read a soil test report
- Soil pH and lime: what your test is telling you